Golf Swing Wrist Support Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The golf swing wrist support apparatus serves as a training device that provides a semi-rigid reinforcement for the golfers leading wrist during the golf swing. (Note: the “leading wrist” referenced herein is referring to the wrist on the user that is closest to the target when at the address position of the golf shot). This support apparatus is worn on the top of the golfers hand and secured in-place by a fastening mechanism. The design of the apparatus is such that it may be worn on either the left or right hand depending on what is customary to the user. The purpose of said apparatus is to confine the leading wrist to limited range of motion that ultimately will reduce errant golf shots by keeping the leading wrist flat and perpendicular to the target line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is claiming benefit from the previously filed provisional patent application with the APPLICATION No. 61/485,971 with a filing date of May 13, 2011

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a golf swing training aid. More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf swing training aid designed to limit the range of motion of a golfers leading wrist during the golf swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of golf is one that relies on a great deal of discipline and practice in order to improves ones ability. Furthermore, the golf swing is highly complex and one that relies on a great deal of harmonious motions all working together to produce a consistently repeatable result. The dynamic nature of the golf swing has many variables that can independently alter the outcome of the golf shot. One such variable in this equation is the action of the wrists throughout the golf swing. The wrists connect the golfers body to the golf club and therefore have the most impact on the final outcome of the shot. As the body rotates about the axis of the spine torque is induced into the arms, wrists and ultimately the golf club. This torque is then transmitted into energy that upon impact between the club head and the golf ball resulting in a ballistic trajectory. While the desired trajectory is typically straight, the stress in the wrists can lead to flexion that will tend to leave the golf club face slightly open which will create an errant shot that is referred to as a “slice”. Many times, the golfer will attempt to adjust for this problem by over compensating the wrist action to rapidly turn over the wrists this will most likely cause the ball to stray off target once again but this time to the opposite side of the target line or what is known as a “hook”.

This torque can also create a lot of stress in the leading wrists and repetitive stress injuries such as Ganglion Cysts have been shown to occur in the golfers.

The present invention helps to satisfy both of these problems by providing reinforcement to the golfers leading wrist. This wrist support apparatus is worn on the top of the golfers leading wrist and secured in-place using a temporary fastening method. The apparatus is semi-rigid and has been designed to provide both the adequate support and limited range of motion necessary for the golfer to conduct their golf swing in the customary manner. By supporting the leading wrist and therefore limiting the torque-induced stresses, the golfer is able to comfortably go about their golf game without the risk of repetitive stress injuries.

There are many golf swing trainer-type aids available in the prior art that endeavor to improve the characteristics of the golf swing by focusing on the dynamic action of the wrists. Some devices utilize an integrated brace-like mechanism incorporated into a golf glove. But, these types of devices require the permanent usage of the integrated golf glove that will inevitably deteriorate over time. Also, the stiffness of these devices do not enable the golfer the freedom and flexibility needed to perform the full golf swing. What is most desirable for the golfer is the ability to install said apparatus independent of the existing golf glove. Additionally, the low-profile design of the invention allows the golfer the ability of installing the device either above or below the surface of the golf glove. Finally, none of the existing inventions allow for the flexibility of being worn either hand.

Accordingly, there is a need for a golf swing wrist support that will provide the necessary amount of reinforcement to the leading wrist while still allowing for the normal golf swing to take place without interruption. Second, there are requirements for a wrist support apparatus that can be worn independently of the golfers glove. Third, the need to have a device that can be worn either above or below the surface of the glove further adds to the flexibility of the usage of said device. Lastly, there is need for a product that is fully universal to users of either left or right swinging preference and can be worn on either hand. The present invention satisfies all of these needs and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The golf swing training aid is designed to support the golfers leading wrist in such a manner that will help to limit the excessive flexion that results in errant golf shots.

The golf swing wrist support is worn on the top of the golfers leading wrist and secured in-place using a temporary method such as Velcro. The core of said device is made of a molded, milled or machined plastic or composite. An under layer of foam rubber is adhered to the side that makes contact with the body of the golfer using a bonding agent or epoxy. A series of elastic straps are integrated into the device that enable the golfer to adjust the tightness around the arm/wrist. These straps have Velcro incorporated into their surfaces that provide further adjustability. There are two raised ridges that run the length of the device that provide added rigidity.

The overall design has been completely symmetrical and contoured to shape the top surface of any users right or left hand/arm. This is one of unique features of the invention that stands out against the previous art.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken into conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. shows an assembled isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2. shows an assembled side view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3. Shows the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. a as an installed device on a user wrist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally provides a golf swing wrist support apparatus. Current products are not intended to be worn with a user's existing golf glove. Additionally, this invention is designed to be universal regardless of the hand and size of hand.

FIG. 1 Shows an assembled isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The invention may include a rigid core (1), a palm strap (2), a forearm strap (3) and reinforcing ribs (4). The main structure of the device may be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic or composite core that may be molded, milled or machined to conform to the user's hand and wrist geometry. The core may have raised ribs on a top surface to provide further rigidity to the device. The ribs may have channels for attachment of banding or straps that may adhere to the user's hand and wrist. An underside of the core may have a padded material such as foam bonded or fixed to the core to provide a comfortable surface in which the user's hand and wrist are in contact with the device. The device may be attached to the user's wrist and hand using a series of straps or elastic bands that may be either adjustable or capable of fitting on any user regardless of size and shape of the user's arm and wrist. The rigid core may also be inserted into a fabric sleeve that may be attached to the user using integrated straps. For making adjustments to the device, there may be slide loops attached to the straps or Velcro® (or similar material) affixed to both surfaces of the straps. Additional ribs may be molded into the core to increase stiffness of the device.

Rigid material for the core may provide reinforcement to the user's wrist during the golf swing. The padded material attached to the underside of the core may provide comfort to the user by minimizing stress and friction to the user. The user may put a golf glove over the device, or use the device alone.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rigid core may be made of plastic, rubber, metal or a composite. The core may have a padded surface affixed to the underside of the core that may be glued, bonded, or attached with mechanical methods to improve comfort. A series of straps may be attached to the core via molded channels at the hand and wrist locations on the device. The straps may be adjustable by using, for example, Velcro®, strap loops, snaps, buttons, hooks, or tape. The straps may be fed through an integrated strap guide on the core.

In an exemplary embodiment, the core may be inserted into a fabric sleeve that may protect the core from excessive wear and tear during usage. In this case, the straps may then be attached to the sleeve rather than the core, by sewing, gluing, or the use of Velcro® (or similar methods).

In an exemplary embodiment, the rigid core may be universal for either left or right wrists, or molded to fit left or right wrist geometry. The device may be made for a universal fit for both wrists. The device may be worn on a forward facing wrist relative to a direction of a golf ball trajectory. The palm straps may be adjusted to a snug fit. The device may be pulled down until flush with the top of the hand, wrist and forearm. The forearm strap may be adjusted to a snug fit. The user may grip the club in the normal manner, and the device may maintain stiffness of the user's wrists.

FIG. 2 Shows an assembled side view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1. The invention may include strap channels (5), and foam padding (6). FIG. 3 Shows the exemplary embodiment of the invention from FIG. 1 as an installed device on a user wrist. FIG. 3 Shows a user forearm (7), a user hand (8), a user thumb (9) and user fingers (10).

In an exemplary embodiment, the device may be used in the fields of golf, baseball, hockey, cricket, and other fields where the user may swing a club, stick, or mallet to impact a ball, puck or object.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A golf swing wrist support apparatus comprising: a rigid core including ribs for surround a human hand; foam padding; and straps attached to the rigid core attachable to the human hand.
 2. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is to be worn on the users leading wrist (relative to the target) for the purpose of maintaining a stiff wrist throughout a typical golf swing.
 3. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rigid core is symmetrically designed to be worn on either left or right hands of the user.
 4. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rigid core has raised ribs for the purpose of increasing the overall rigidity.
 5. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rigid core may have slots integrated into the ribs to allow for the passing of straps.
 6. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said foam padding is attached to the underside of said rigid core for the purposes of added comfort to the user.
 7. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said straps are made of an elastic banding material to allow for adjustability to the user.
 8. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said straps have integrated into the material or affixed to the surface a method of fastening such as Velcro®, snaps, hooks, magnets or similar.
 9. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus can be worn over the top of or underneath the user's existing golf glove.
 10. The golf swing wrist support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rigid core is made of molded, milled or machined, plastic, rubber, metal or composite material. 